LAHORE  - Glowing tributes were paid to the former Australian all-rounder and legendary commentator Richie Benaud by Cricket Commentators Club of Pakistan (CCCP). In a joint reference conducted by Secretary General CCCP Raja Asad Ali han they expressed their sorrow and grief over the sad demise of Australia’s most successful captain ,commentator , trained Journalist, and highly educated gentleman. Reacting over his sad demise legendry Pakistani commentator Ifitkhar Ahmed paid rich tribute to his old colleague and friend and said he was saddened to hear the news. “He was the best at whatever he did and a good friend and gentlemen.”
One of the pioneers of Pakistan English cricket commentary and great name in Pakistan Foreign Service, Jamshed Marker recalled his association with Richie by remembering the 1959 tour of Australian to Pakistan when visiting American President Dwight Eisenhower came to Karachi to witness the 3rd Test being played at National Stadium. “He was wearing green Pakistani blazer ,during the process of the team introduction, Australian Team manger Sam Loxton ( himself Australian member of parliament)shared light moments with the US President and laughingly said that  you have joined the opposition(Pakistani team) standing next Richie instantly presented his cap to the US President.” Evaluating and placing his calibre as commentator Marker said undoubtedly Richie is the greatest commentator of all who transformed his perception and love of the game in to cricket commentary.
A senior English commentator Tariq Rahim said that Benuad had the same stature as Australian commentator as Omer Qureshi for Pakistan. “He deeply understood the game and was careful about his words. I have the opportunity and honour to interviewed him during commonwealth team tour to Pakistan in 1968. His absence from the commentary box will be missed.”
President of the CCCP and Senior Commentator M Idris in his statement said he had not met a gentleman of such high integrity, intelligence and softness. In Richie Benuad Australia and world have lost a great man. His flow of words and affable appearance will be missed and remembered in years to come. He left indelible marks on English cricket broadcast.”
Popular Urdu commentator Hasan jalil terms Richie Benuad exit a great loss to cricket and said he was one of the finest cricketer the world has seen. “He was a highly respected leader and an excellent all rounder. His contribution to Australian cricket is unmatched and he will be remembered as a symbol of the spirit and sportsmanship of this wonderful game. As a commentator, he has left an everlasting impression with his unique and impressive style to the description of the cricket.”
A senior English Commentator Brig.(rtd) Pervaiz Asghar Mian recalling Benud said: “Smooth runner-up and fluffy hairs moving ups and downs was style of his blowing .As student of Cadet College I saw him first time on cinema screen with schoolmates. Later I saw his great performances on videos. As a commentator Richie was always to the point fair with added quality of occasional humour. It was pleasure to have met him in Australia during VB Series 2005 .Cricket will be a loser with his passing away.”
English Radio and TV Commentator Rehan Nawaz while expressing his heartfelt condolence to Rachie’s family said he brought new dimension to the game. Cricket commentator and cricket writer Raja Asad said the nature had bestowed Benuad with enormous physical and mental talents and he was having the greatest influence in international cricket during 20th and 21ist centenary. AR Zaidi a senior commentator and cricket analyst acknowledging Benaud contribution to the game said he was a legend and an influencer and was an expert reader of the game which took him to No 1 position in cricket commentators.
 Mirza Iqbal Beg  said Benaud was a great servant of the game and one of the finest cricket commentator world has ever produced.
 Amjad Aziz Malik cricket commentator and journalist said the fraternity of cricket commentators has lost a leader as the most popular voice in cricket has gone he Benaud will surely be missed by millions who respect and love him for his fair, neutral and articulate comments on finest aspects of the game of cricket.